Windows 8 is the latest operating system from Microsoft Windows NT. Announced at CES in 2011, Windows 8 was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, then released for general availability October 26, 2012. With the release of the new Windows 8 operating system, the most apparent change that took place was the optimization of the operating system for touchscreen use. With the growing market for touchscreen tablets and computers, Microsoft's Windows operating system was competing with the touchscreen optimized operating systems of both Android and Apple. While Microsoft's Windows 7 supported touch, Windows 8 was made for it.
Most Noticeable New Features
With the main focal point of Windows 8 being an interface designed for the full utilization of touchscreen capabilities, Microsoft introduced the new 'Start Screen.' Also known at 'Metro,' the new Windows 8 'Start Screen' is comprised of tiles that can be customized to the preference of each user. Instead of icons, these tiles are used to open different programs, which open full screen in the Desktop (similar to that of Windows 7), and applications, which open in Metro. To get out of an app or return to the Start Screen, the user simply presses the Windows key located at the bottom of the keyboard.The applications that the tiles open can be downloaded or purchased from the 'Windows Store,' also new to Windows 8.
The new 'Windows Store,' similar to Apple's app store, created one location to search, download and purchase a variety of applications and games. Items downloaded from the store can be given their own tile on the Start Screen for easy access to users. All downloaded applications can be accessed from the Start Screen by hovering the cursor over the lower right of the screen and clicking the 'All Apps' button, this can also be done with a swipe and tap of the 'All Apps' button with a finger on touchscreen devices.
Application
At first glance, Windows 8 appears to focus more on the 'play' aspect of touchscreen devices. However, Windows 8 also does an excellent job of incorporating functionality and efficiency into the interface. Users are able to log into Windows 8 with their [[#|Microsoft]] account which allows for synchronization between services like Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage, email accounts, Facebook, Google Docs, Google +, Calendar and other linked contact info. The ability for users to sign onto their computer with their Microsoft account and have all of their accounts automatically synced to their machine saves valuable time and makes their life easier. Now, when users sign into their machines, they are automatically logged into their email and SkyDrive, and things like their contacts are also synced with their account. This allows for users to have the accounts that they use with their tablets, phones, and computers to all be in-sync and working together without the headache of separate accounts and having to update all devices individually.
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Productivity Applications
The new Windows Store also has an entire category dedicated to productivity applications. These applications include things like Sticky Tiles and My Trips. Sticky tiles, which are essentially sticky notes, can be added to a tile on the Start Screen and the notes and reminders made will be available for the user to see when the computer is started up and the tiles can be added and removed as needed. My Trips is an app that displays upcoming trips as well as flights, departure and arrival times, conformation numbers, rental cars, and hotels all in one easy to access location.
What Is Windows 8?
Windows 8 is the latest operating system from Microsoft Windows NT. Announced at CES in 2011, Windows 8 was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, then released for general availability October 26, 2012. With the release of the new Windows 8 operating system, the most apparent change that took place was the optimization of the operating system for touchscreen use. With the growing market for touchscreen tablets and computers, Microsoft's Windows operating system was competing with the touchscreen optimized operating systems of both Android and Apple. While Microsoft's Windows 7 supported touch, Windows 8 was made for it.Most Noticeable New Features
With the main focal point of Windows 8 being an interface designed for the full utilization of touchscreen capabilities, Microsoft introduced the new 'Start Screen.' Also known at 'Metro,' the new Windows 8 'Start Screen' is comprised of tiles that can be customized to the preference of each user. Instead of icons, these tiles are used to open different programs, which open full screen in the Desktop (similar to that of Windows 7), and applications, which open in Metro. To get out of an app or return to the Start Screen, the user simply presses the Windows key located at the bottom of the keyboard.The applications that the tiles open can be downloaded or purchased from the 'Windows Store,' also new to Windows 8.The new 'Windows Store,' similar to Apple's app store, created one location to search, download and purchase a variety of applications and games. Items downloaded from the store can be given their own tile on the Start Screen for easy access to users. All downloaded applications can be accessed from the Start Screen by hovering the cursor over the lower right of the screen and clicking the 'All Apps' button, this can also be done with a swipe and tap of the 'All Apps' button with a finger on touchscreen devices.
Application
At first glance, Windows 8 appears to focus more on the 'play' aspect of touchscreen devices. However, Windows 8 also does an excellent job of incorporating functionality and efficiency into the interface. Users are able to log into Windows 8 with their [[#|Microsoft]] account which allows for synchronization between services like Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage, email accounts, Facebook, Google Docs, Google +, Calendar and other linked contact info. The ability for users to sign onto their computer with their Microsoft account and have all of their accounts automatically synced to their machine saves valuable time and makes their life easier. Now, when users sign into their machines, they are automatically logged into their email and SkyDrive, and things like their contacts are also synced with their account. This allows for users to have the accounts that they use with their tablets, phones, and computers to all be in-sync and working together without the headache of separate accounts and having to update all devices individually.==
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Productivity Applications
The new Windows Store also has an entire category dedicated to productivity applications. These applications include things like Sticky Tiles and My Trips. Sticky tiles, which are essentially sticky notes, can be added to a tile on the Start Screen and the notes and reminders made will be available for the user to see when the computer is started up and the tiles can be added and removed as needed. My Trips is an app that displays upcoming trips as well as flights, departure and arrival times, conformation numbers, rental cars, and hotels all in one easy to access location.Relevant Links
Differences between Windows 7 and Windows 88 apps for Windows 8 productivity
Windows 8 Wikipedia (thought it was appropriate)
Features of Windows 8.1
techradar's 62 Windows 8 Tips, Tricks and Secrets